Disneyland in the Rain :(

[babyatlas]

This is my first post and my first trip to Disneyland. Myself, my husband and our two little girls are heading there this weekend. There is rain forecasted for 2 of the 3 days we will be there. Any tips for doing Disney in the rain? I am bummed but trying hard not to be....
THANKS!

 

[abouley]

The good thing about the rain, is that it tends to keep the crowds down! Hopefully it'll just be light showers and not downpours! Make sure you have ponchos and if your kids are in a stroller, a rain cover for the stroller is fantastic! I know we bought one off amazon for our double jogger for about $15. Also, if the rain is heavier, wearing boots makes a huge difference so you don't have wet feet! Try to wear pants that dry quickly as well. Jeans are the worst in the rain.

Eating can be a problem when it's raining. Pizza Port is a good place to eat as there is a lot of indoor/covered seating. You might consider making some dining reservations if rain is in the forecast just so you have some places to get inside and eat. We found that to be one of our biggest problems with the rain.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[rebecca1176]

It rained on us during our trip too! We are from WA so nothing new to us

Yes, ponchos were a common site. I'd say half of the people there were wearing them. Also, in retrospect, doing the indoor rides during the wet periods would have made more sense - Toy Story Mania, Monsters Inc, Soaring - in CA adventure.
(We did the Bug's Land and Paradise Pier outdoor rides in the rain! First time there, oh well! Lesson learned!)

3D experiences were good for rainy periods.

The crowds were very very low which was nice for us. (Easter) The minute that sun broke through, so did the crowds!

Try not to let it get you down, hopefully the forecast will change!! & have fun!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Well the good news is that weather forecasts that far out (5 or more days) can change. I just looked and so far, this weekend is showing only a 30% chance of rain on Sunday and then a 40% on Tuesday but you never know, our weather forecasts are notoriously wrong especially so far out.

If it does rain, bring your ponchos. PP is right, rain will keep locals away.

When it's raining it's a great time to check out the Animation Studios-Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy, and Ursula's Grotto are just a few great things to do. You can easily be in there 1-1/2 hours.

We have a softball tournament starting this weekend so I too hope it doesn't rain. Last season(Nov.) they ended up cancelling our whole tournament due to rain. And we were on a winning streak-won first 2 games of the tournament. Then on Saturday the rains game. Oh well, it was a good day to see HP on opening weekend.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Love DLR in the rain.

Jack

 

[skiingfast]

Also, in retrospect, doing the indoor rides during the wet periods would have made more sense - Toy Story Mania, Monsters Inc, Soaring - in CA adventure.
(We did the Bug's Land and Paradise Pier outdoor rides in the rain! First time there, oh well! Lesson learned!)

Really good tip if it may rain, do outdoor things first incase all you have left is indoor things during the rain.

Well the good news is that weather forecasts that far out (5 or more days) can change. I just looked and so far, this weekend is showing only a 30% chance of rain on Sunday and then a 40% on Tuesday but you never know, our weather forecasts are notoriously wrong especially so far out.

It rarely rains in LA so don't count on the forecast. Go with a "just in case" mind set not a "It's Florida it going to rain" mind set.

Also, if the rain is heavier, wearing boots makes a huge difference so you don't have wet feet! Try to wear pants that dry quickly as well. Jeans are the worst in the rain.

Probably the best advice to prepare for rain. If you get caught probably your shirt will dry before your shoes. So having the right footwear for water helps.

Love DLR in the rain.

Jack

Short Lines!

 

[Homemom]

Love DLR in the rain.

Jack

Couldn't agree more! Our favorite trip was the one when it rained most of the week.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Make sure you have ponchos for everyone and shoes that will not soak up water easily. It rained once while I was there and the crowds just seemed to disappear. I loved it.

 

[My<3BelongsToMickey]

I feel your pain!!! Ugh I am super bummed about the rain too- It's my birthday weekend and my friends and I got a room at California Adventure for Sunday night, anticipating a "lay by the pool day" on Sunday afternoon. (We are going to the parks on Saturday and Monday.)

Fail.

But like previous posters said, we are still a week out- maybe the weather will change!!!

 

[furb & dez]

Disneyland in the rain is probably one of the best times to go, particularly during the morning/afternoon. A few attractions will temporarily close (Alice in Wonderland, Mad Tea Party, Storybook Land, etc.), but if the rain lets up, they re-open later. The big plus is that the lines should be much shorter, and you get to see the park in a way that many never do.

I would really like to get some good photos of DL in the rain someday... I always seem to be caught without my camera, though!

Note that once the evening hits, though, even rain won't stop the AP's from making the place dreary, overcrowded, and full of the self-involved little twits you would expect to see in a mall back in the 1980's.

 

[wbl2745]

Love DLR in the rain.

Jack

I fully agree! The outdoor attractions can be difficult, but Space Mountain as a walk-on can make up for it.

One previous poster mentioned difficulty finding places to eat. In addition to Red Rocket's, Cafe Orleans has a small number of indoor tables. The River Bell Terrace also has a small number of indoor tables. The Golden Horseshoe has a lot of indoor seating and I think they serve even between shows. The Village House Restaurant has a fair amount of indoor seating. If the Hungry Bear Restaurant is open the seating on the lower deck would all be covered.

At DCA, Ariel's Grotto is indoors. Next to Award Wieners are a number of covered tables. I believe that next to Cocian Cucamonga Mexican Grill there are a few covered tables. Same with Lucky Fortune Cookery. Lastly, I believe that Taste Pilot's Grill has some indoor seating.

You can also exit DCA and have lunch at either White Water Snacks, which has some indoor and covered outdoor seating, or Storyteller's Cafe which is very nice. Then there are all of the DTD restaurants, most of which have a lot of indoor seating.

I don't think that you need to worry about finding a place to eat.

 

[Susie63]

We were in DL in Feb 2010.It was a very wet experience, but we had so much fun.We all had rain gear,not disposable,and Tilley hats. Our feet did get wet however.So for our next trip, I bought my DD Crocs rain boots so she could have dry feet and be comfy,and for my husband and myself I bought Tote's overshoes.We can still wear our runners and have dry feet. They are only 11.00 on their website.
The rain days were better than the sunny days because we walked onto almost every ride without lineups. Just be prepared....to have tons of fun

 

[bumbershoot]

Disney in the rain for adults is SO awesome!

Disney in the rain for *little* kids can feel cold, sad, and miserable. My son is not the biggest fan. But then, ponchos don't *really* fit little kids, and their feet get cold!

So find some nice cozy, water-resistant socks (like smartwool socks), some nice water-resistant shoes. If they have rain outfits (like slickers, or even rainpants and a rainjacket), bring them! With some clothes that will work underneath for them. That way they are nice and prepared...warm enough and dry enough so they can actually appreciate the fact that everyone else has gone back home or to their hotels, leaving you the fairly empty parks.

 

[packhike]

Last two trips to DL were in the rain. Family loved it. Probably the best
2 trips ever to DL. No crowds. Nothing beats being on Space Mountain or Thunder Mountain and doing the ride coming back into the station and having the CM say if you want to ride again just stay on the ride.....Did Space Mountain 5 times in a row.

Also DCA is really empty. Family was tired so we hopped on the ferris wheel and rode that for a 1/2 hour straight...Great way to rest up...

We are going back the week before xmas this year and I am praying for some rain on a couple of days...

 

[DVC_Corrys]

My wife and I live about 12 miles from Disneyland and make it a point to go up in the afternoon if it is or has been raining. The crowds are low and the park has a whole new feel to it.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

LOVE DLR in the rain

We were there at Christmas when the parks were hitting maximum capacity daily...Our very best day was our rainy day...we donned the Mickey Ponchos and went for it! We did more on this one day than in all the other 3 combined.

California rain tends to be on and off rain...like if it pours it might be an hour or two not the whole day. But the locals will stay home..it is easier for them to say well I can go tomorrow.

Most important thing is rent a locker on a rainy day...must have in there is a change of clothes especially for the little ones. For the older kids and adults Dry sweatshirts for late in the day when the temps cool off for everybody ...AND MOST IMPORTANT dry socks! That and a poncho is all you need to enjoy DL in the rain.

When it does come down hit Anamation Academy, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies, The Tiki Room etc...get inside until it lets up a bit then hit the outdoor rides again...Fantasyland was blissfully empty this day and most of those rides are inside too.

If the weather is damp don't let it dampen your DL spirit...just have a great time!

 

[MAH4546]

Note that once the evening hits, though, even rain won't stop the AP's from making the place dreary, overcrowded, and full of the self-involved little twits you would expect to see in a mall back in the 1980's.

Yes, the rain does stop most locals. People in SoCal are literally scared of rain.

There was a Sunday of heavy rain in February were the number of people in Disneyland that evening was below 2,000.

 

[stubby]

We had a light rain one of the days we were there in October and a heavier rain a couple days later. We took ponchos with us thank goodness. We still had a really good time...only complaints were our wet feet.

 

[mad hatter fan]

We were in DL in Feb 2010.It was a very wet experience, but we had so much fun.We all had rain gear,not disposable,and Tilley hats. Our feet did get wet however.So for our next trip, I bought my DD Crocs rain boots so she could have dry feet and be comfy,and for my husband and myself I bought Tote's overshoes.We can still wear our runners and have dry feet. They are only 11.00 on their website.
The rain days were better than the sunny days because we walked onto almost every ride without lineups. Just be prepared....to have tons of fun

Susie, did you get the kind of overshoes that are made for over dress shoes? Did they fit well over the running shoes?

 

[TeddiBarra]

Rain can so be your friend at DL. Get good quality ponchos, and I really suggest getting rain PANTS too- if it is going to be a heavier rain, especially. Bring an extra pair of socks or two with you. Don't wear jeans (or cuff them up a bit). REmember the rides will get rained on too, esp Small World Boats.

I recommend stopping by a sporting goods store and check out their rain gear. Aside from basic ponches, sometimes you want a jacket (some have removable hoods, but also INTERNAL pouches- which is where you want to store your cell phone/camera, etc)